Sloane signs new deal

Jun 15, 2015 10:49AM

Rory Sloane of the Crows celebrates a goal during the 2015 AFL Round 01 match between the Adelaide Crows and the North Melbourne Kangaroos at Adelaide Oval, Adelaide on April 05, 2015. (Photo: AFL Media)

I have said many times before how much I respect and love this Club and, in particular, the playing group.

Rory Sloane

Rory Sloane has signed a three-year contract extension, which will see him remain a Crow until at least the end of 2018.

Sloane has played 107 games since making his debut against this week’s opponent, Hawthorn, in Round 20, 2009. Originally recruited with pick No.44 in the 2008 AFL National Draft, the 25-year-old from Upwey-Tecoma has established himself as one of the premier midfielders in the League.

A consistent and relentless competitor, Sloane has finished top three in Adelaide’s best and fairest award in each of the past three years. He was crowned Club Champion in 2013; finished runner-up to Daniel Talia last season and came third in 2012. The enormously popular Crow has won the member-voted 19th Man Award for most valuable player the last two years.

Sloane said he was rapt to finalise a new deal with Adelaide.

“I have said many times before how much I respect and love this Club and, in particular, the playing group,” Sloane said.

“With the support of my fiancé Belinda and family, I have been in constant talks with the Club and am thrilled to sign a new deal.

“Our Club is built on a team-first attitude and elite standards and it allows us all to thrive and improve, and there is no doubt success lies ahead.”

Crows Head of Football David Noble said Sloane’s signing reflected the optimism and confidence in the program headed by Senior Coach Phil Walsh.

“We have been in constant contact with Rory, his family and manager Ned Guy in recent months,” Noble said.

“Anyone who has met Rory knows he is an outstanding individual and everyone at our Club holds him in the highest regard as a person, player and leader.

“We are thrilled that he is here for the long haul and our push towards a return to finals and future success.”

A reliable contributor, Sloane leads Adelaide in score assists and marks since 2012.

The influential onballer ranks second at the Club for tackles and hard-ball gets; and third for total disposals, contested possessions and clearances in the same period (2012-2015). He’s kicked 65 career goals and polled 40 Brownlow Medal votes.

However, Sloane’s value to the Club transcends the stats sheet. He’s a highly-respected member of Adelaide’s senior leadership group, and served as acting co-captain last season.

Walsh admires Sloane’s work ethic and desire to make the Club better both on and off the field.

“Rory epitomises the type of person we want at the Adelaide Football Club,” Walsh said.

“He lives by elite standards and inspires others to do the same and you can always count on him to get the job done on game day.”

Sloane returned to the team in Adelaide’s most recent match against Carlton after missing three games because of a fractured cheekbone. He was equal-fifth in the AFL Coaches Association Champion of the Year award prior to sustaining the injury in Round Six.